Colin Webster dreams of emerging from Ascot on Saturday as the victorious winning trainer of the Group 2 Schweppes WA Derby (2400m).
Webster is over the moon to have a strong contender in the race and backs Trix Of The Trade to be the superior staying three-year-old.
Trix Of The Trade is one of the form horses in the 13-horse field, having won four straight races and placing twice from six starts this campaign.
After a return win in January he followed up in the WA Breeders Classic (1400m), the Challenge Stakes (1500m) and Lex Piper Stakes (1600m) before seconds in the Roberts Stakes (1800m) and Melvista Stakes (2200m).
If there were any doubts over his staying prowess they were emphatically cast aside in the Melvista Stakes when he charged home behind Alaskan God, running the fastest closing splits between the 1200m and 200m of the race.
Webster says Trix Of The Trade is hitting full stride and believes his long range plan to win the WA Derby will go close to being realised.
“He is doing everything right and we were very happy with his last run,” Webster told Tab Radio.
“He’s done very well since that run and we are going into the race with a fair bit of confidence.”
Trix Of The Trade has displaced Alaskan God as Tabtouch favourite, firming from $3 to $2.35.
Alaskan God, beaten once in five career outings for trainer, Dan Morton, has eased slightly from $2.25 to $2.45.
Trix Of The Trade meets Alaskan God 3kg better at the weights following their last meeting in the Melvista Stakes.
Colin Webster says Alaskan God is a young horse on the rise with a promising future and the obvious danger to Trix Of The Trade.
“He’s a very promising horse who has done everything right,” Webster said.
“He’s come right at the right time which is important.
“Naturally he is going to be very hard to beat.”
Trix Of The Trade has drawn barrier eight for jockey, Troy Turner. Webster expects him to be settled in a midfield position.
Turner missed last week’s Karrakatta Plate meeting because of COVID-19.
Trix Of The Trade has never missed a cheque in 10 career starts, winning seven races and placing three times for prize money of $391,350.
The son of Trade Fair was the subject of intense interest from interstate buyers following his opening two wins this preparation, but 90-year-old owner-breeder, Bill Robinson and his wife Pat, knocked back a huge $1 million offer.
